The final three games of the regular WNBA season for the Sparks include a Sunday date with the other powerhouse,  the Minnesota Lynx.

Although it’s still the regular season,  the 4 o’clock game at the Staples Center has playoff implications.

The 22-8 Sparks have an outside chance of overtaking the 23-6 Lynx with three games remaining.

The Sparks are 13-1 at home and 9-7 on the road. The Lynx are 13-2 at home and 10-4 on the road. Both teams have outstanding players and both coaches.  The Sparks beat the Lynx on the road last season to win the WNBA championship.

The Sparks are on a three-game winning streak but they need to be more consistent. “We showed poise on our last road trip, which  a shows we are ready to defend our championship,” said Jantel Lavender after a 75-55 victory over the San Antonio Stars at the Staples Center.

“Our team needs to learn that when other teams make runs at us we need to sustain our play and know when to run certain plays. That is our next step toward championship play.”

Another key is passing and spacing.

The Sparks looked good in those categories last Tuesday. Against the Stars, the Sparks had 22 assists.

“Our team is really unselfish,” said Lavender.  “We are always looking for the open player.  As we move forward we know that making the extra passes is going to be important.”

After Sunday’s game against the Lynx, the Sparks have two more home dates  to finish the regular season. They play Atlanta next Friday at 7:30 and third-place Connecticut (19-10) on Sunday, Sept. 3, at 1.

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com